Victor EzejaNigeria’s President and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Bola Tinubu, has stated that no form of illegitimate takeover of a democratically elected government will be allowed in the sub-region.
Tinubu stated this in response to reports of an attempted coup in Niger Republic following a move by some members of the presidential guard against President Mohamed Bazoum.
Some guards were said to have held Bazoum inside the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey.
However, an Aljazeera report said there was a directive from the army for troops loyal to Bazoum to move in to stop what seemed to be a coup attempt.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu, who recently assumed office as ECOWAS chairman said the situation is closely being monitored, adding that his leadership of the organisation would do everything possible to ensure that democracy thrives in all countries within the sub-region.
His statement reads: “Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country’s highest political leadership.
“It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country.
“The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.
“I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.
“I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.
“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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